Observations of the legal scene from the Cornhusker State, home of Roscoe Pound and Justice Clarence Thomas' in-laws, and beyond.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Order of the Kneepads Update: Nebraska Supreme Court disbars attorney who practiced law while she was suspended for not paying bar dues, for multiple dui and driving while suspended convictions, and for not responding to complaints. Attorney had a prior private reprimand for practicing law while suspended for non-payment of dues. State ex rel. Counsel for Dis. v. Carbullido,S-08-1203, 278 Neb. 721. The evidence establishes that Carbullido has repeatedly violated the law, court orders, and the Nebraska Rules of Professional Conduct. Cumulative acts of attorney misconduct are distinguishable from isolated incidents, and they justify more serious sanctions. Indeed, we have said that ordinarily, cumulative acts of misconduct can, and often do, lead to disbarment. In this case, Carbullido demonstrates a continued pattern of disregard for the rules she must abide by as a lawyer and as a law-abiding citizen. She has continued to flaunt these rules after being given multiple warnings and less severe punishments. We order that Carbullido be disbarred from the practice of law in the State of Nebraska, effective immediately. Carbullido is directed to comply with Neb. Ct. R. § 3-316, and upon failure to do so, she shall be subject to punishment for contempt of this court. Carbullido is further directed to pay costs and expenses in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 7-114 and 7-115 (Reissue 2007) and § 3-310(P) and Neb. Ct. R. § 3-323 within 60 days after an order imposing costs and expenses, if any, is entered by the court.